“Mayhap. Or mayhap she’s a spy working for Storm sent to infiltrate our crew.”
Peggy shook his head. “I dinna believe that to be the truth. And I dinna think ye believe that, either.”
Colin held out his cup and Peggy filled it. He downed it in one swallow, and savored the burn as the liquid made its warm path to settle down deep into his chest. He dropped into the chair and sighed. “I’m no’ sure I can face the lass after her betrayal, Peggy.”
“Honey, I know ye almost better than anyone. And I know ye dinna mean that.”
He slammed his fist on the desk. “Damn it, man! I dinna know what to do.” He wasn’t lying. For once in his life, he didn’t know how to proceed.
“Listen, sleep on it tonight. She’s no’ going anywhere. Ye’ve locked her in that room. Talk to her in the morning. Listen to what she has to say. She might surprise ye.”
He wasn’t sure about that. But Peggy’s advice was well-taken. Sleep wouldn’t come easy tonight, but mayhap he could help it along with more whisky.
Peggy left him to his own vices and with each sip he took, his anger began to subside a bit more.
Chapter Thirteen
Seonag didn’t knowhow much time had passed as she waited for Honey to come get her. The ship was dark and silent as it sliced through the water, rocking the boat gently.
Knowing that Honey wouldn’t come for her until the morning, she’d settled on the floor, her back against the wall and tried not to worry too much about what he’d do to her once he returned. The gentle rocking of the boat lulled her into a calm peacefulness.
She heard footsteps just before light illuminated the floor beneath the bottom of the door. She scrambled to her feet, nervously wiping her suddenly damp palms on her pants. Her heart pounded in her chest. He’d come for her much earlier than she expected. She wasn’t sure what to make of that.
She listened as she heard the key be inserted into the lock and then twisted, freeing the mechanism.
But it wasn’t Honey standing on the other side of the door when it swung open.
Sweeney entered the small space, suddenly seeming much larger and imposing than she’d noticed before in all her previous interactions with him.
“Ye’re to come with me,” he sneered, looking her up and down with disdain. “I’ve got orders to fetch ye.”
She flinched at the chosen word. Fetch. Like one would a dog. That word told her all she needed to know about what Honey thought of her now.
The way Sweeney leered at her made her uncomfortable. A shiver crept down her spine as he drew closer and she saw the rope he carried.
He grabbed her wrists roughly and bound them together in front of her. That one act eliminated any hope she’d had that Honey would be willing to listen to her reasoning. Nay, she truly was a prisoner. What had she expected? He was a pirate. Second chances weren’t something he was known for.
“Walk,” he ordered as he pushed her ahead of him.
“Where are we going?” she asked. He ignored her as he led her silently above deck. Near the railing, he took his lantern and swept it over the dark blue water. What was he searching for?
“This way.” He grabbed her arm with a piercing grip and she winced at the pain.
Something was wrong. A dark sense of foreboding washed over her as he commanded her to climb over the side.
“Make any noise and I’ll slit yer throat without so much as a hesitation.”
She gasped and looked to where he pointed. A small boat bobbed on the surface of the water. A figure waited there. Was it Honey? Was he going to bring her out to sea and toss her in the water? Could he really be so cruel? Her stomach sank and she started to shake.
“Go on,” he urged, looking around nervously.
She swung her leg cautiously over the side, her foot searching for the rope ladder. She prayed her body didn’t betray her and send her hurtling in the cold water. When she was sure of her footing, she swung her other leg down and slowly climbed down the ladder, getting closer to the boat and waiting figure below with every step. Not an easy task, especially with her wrists still bound. She was forced to keep them close to her chest and maneuver carefully to ensure she didn’t fall off and splash into the sea below.
Sweeney was right above her. “Move faster,” he demanded in a loud whisper.
The rope was rough under her hands as she slid them along the ladder, careful to keep her balance so she wouldn’t fall.
Before she even reached the bottom rung, the figure in the boat grasped her around the waist and pulled her down into the boat. She let out a surprised yelp and looked at the man.
